Patterns of Adolescent Bullying Behaviors

Types of Bullies

Wang et al. delineated three classes of bullies in order to categorize and better understand the relationship between cyber bullies and traditional bullies and their potential resulting externalized problems. The categories included (1) the all-type bully, (2) the verbal/social bully, and (3) the non-involved “bully.”

Data Collection

Participants were assessed for bullying behaviors through questions adapted from the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. Substance abuse was measured through a screening on drugs, tobacco, and alcohol that accounted for use within the last 30 days; and weapon carrying was determined through questions drawn from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Wang et al. conducted this study to better understand the connection between cyber-bullies and traditional characteristics of bullying in the hopes of improving treatment interventions and mental heath outcomes of bullies and their victims.

Gender and Category Differences in Externalizing

The researchers found that Class 1, or all-type bullies, are among the highest at risk for developing externalized problems. Males were categorized as all-type bullies more frequently than females; thus, males were also more likely to abuse substances and carry weapons. Class 2, or verbal/social bullies posed a medium level of risk and Class 3, the non-involved participants, represented the least amount of risk for externalizing problems.

Planning Interventions

Wang et al. also concluded that students’ roles in traditional bullying predicted roles in cyber bullying. All-type bullies were more likely to engage in cyber bullying, which was attributed to a group of highly aggressive adolescents who practice all types of bullying and are at the highest risk for elevating externalized problems. Therefore, the investigators encourage targeting interventions toward a population that represents the highest risk for developing externalized problem behaviors: cyber bullies.